NIJ IIIA ballistic vests are soft armor rated for handgun threats, while NIJ IV vests are hard armor designed to stop rifle rounds. Your choice depends on the threat level of the mission or tender requirements.
Understanding the NIJ Rating System
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) provides the standard for ballistic resistance of body armor. Here’s a breakdown:
– Level IIA & II: Soft armor for low-velocity handgun rounds.
– Level IIIA: Soft armor rated for .357 SIG and .44 Magnum.
– Level III: Hard armor for rifle rounds like 7.62mm FMJ.
– Level IV: Hard armor designed to stop armor-piercing rifle rounds like .30-06 AP.
NIJ IIIA vs NIJ IV: Technical Comparison Table
| Feature | NIJ IIIA Vest | NIJ IV Vest |
| Protection Level | .357 SIG, .44 Magnum | .30-06 AP Rifle Rounds |
| Armor Type | Soft Armor | Hard Armor with Ceramic/PE Plates |
| Weight | Lightweight (2-3kg) | Heavier (6-9kg with plates) |
| Flexibility | High (comfortable wear) | Low (rigid plate carrier) |
| Typical Use | Law enforcement, urban patrol | Military, high-risk operations |
| Certification Files | NIJ 0101.06 standard | NIJ 0101.06 + ballistic plate data |
Which One is Right for Government Tenders?
Most government tenders specify a required protection level based on the threat assessment. For urban police or security forces, NIJ IIIA is often sufficient. However, for military contracts—especially those from NATO member countries—NIJ IV is often mandatory.
To better understand how NIJ-certified vests are used in bidding, check out our NIJ-certified tactical Vest Manufacturer.
How Yakeda Supports Certified Supply
Yakeda manufactures both NIJ IIIA and IV-rated ballistic protection systems, complete with test reports, documentation, and export compliance. Our vests are often paired with IRR-compliant outer covers for stealth operations.
Explore how our IRR fabrics meet tactical procurement standards in IRR Compliant Tactical Gear Explained.
Do you need OEM or ODM production for your agency or distributor brand? Discover our capabilities as a leading OEM Ballistic Vest Manufacturer in Asia.
FAQ for Tender Bidders
Q1. Which NIJ level is best for military contracts?
A1. Most military tenders require NIJ IV for rifle protection. Urban police contracts may accept NIJ IIIA.
Q2. Can you provide full certification documents for NIJ armor?
A2. Yes, Yakeda provides lab testing reports, ballistic resistance certificates, and export documentation.
Q3. What if the tender requires IRR and ballistic combo?
A3. Yakeda provides full tactical kits with IRR-compliant fabric and certified ballistic inserts.
